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The Kia ora coo-ee : the magazine for the ANZACS in the Middle East, 1918

A.A.M.C. Notes

A.A.M.C. Notes.

Original members still with the 3rd L.H. Field Ambulance recently held a dinner and smoke night, to which were invited all "old boys" now attached to other units in Egypt and Palestine. The object was to commemorate the completion of the Ambulance's third year of active service. As all the boys could not obtain leave to Cairo, the reunion was held in a certain camp by the sea. There were 42 present, including Col. R.M. Downes, C. M.G., D.D.M.S., Desert Mounted Corps, the first C.O. of the Unit, and Lieut. Parkes who for 18 months was W.O.; Lieut.-Col G.E.M. Stuart, the present CO. and only original officer still with the Ambulance, presided. The toasts included 'Absent Members", "The Corps," "Honors Won", "Australia", and "Those Who Wait." Musical items were contributed by Cpl. Fletcher, of the 9th Regt., Staff Sgts. Horan and Bunsgrove, and Tpr. Giles. The catering was done by a well-known firm in Cairo, and Cpl. Bell had charge of the arrangements. It was "some" dinner. Votes of thanks were accorded Staff-Segt. Marshall, Segt. Hatfield, Cpl. Bell, and others, for the manner in which they had worked to make the gathering a success. All who were present agreed that they had spent their most enjoyable evening since leaving Australia.

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"A" writes:— When one considers the varied and numerous attractions which the 14th A.G.H. offers to the weary soldier, it is a little surprising that so few avail themselves of its possibilities. A salubrious atmosphere, fishing of the most exciting nature, a cuitine like nothing else in Egypt, and company, the most elevating and refined—here, surely, is enough to attract even the most hardened misanthrope, It is not these, however, that we would most strongly emphasise; the charms of music are admittedly all powerful, and it is precisely in this seductive art that the Hospital chiefly excels. Does your warrior spirit yearn for the martial airs of the great masters? The A M.D. Brass Band will give you all you want at any time. Or is your taste more modern and fantastic, delighting in the regular irregularities of ragtime. Then, the best artists of Egypt and Palestine constantly perform before large and enthusiastic audiences, seated luxuriously in a spacious hall the despair of all its rivals. Nor do our vocal performers confine themselves to ragtime; the sentimental ditty, the stirring ballad, humour and wit, both subtle and crude, all are provided. Neither are the higher refinements entirely neglected. The psaltery and the sackbut are rather out of date in these days, nor do we go much on the harp, but even without these, we can soothe jaded nerves, rouse despondent minds, and fortify depressed Spirits.

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The Sisters at the 14th A.G.H. sadly miss dear old Cairo, with the gharry and motor drives to the Barrage, Helouan, and the Pyramids. Such things are memories now. But our sisters can put up with inconveniences, just as Billjim can, and life at—is not so bad as it seems. Tennis it getting a good share of the girls' spare time, and in Sisters Scott, Best, and a few others, we have some fine players. Officers are conspicuous by their absence, but the sisters have an unlimited supply of Light Horsemen for escort duty. Attractions in the amusement line have been fairly plentiful up to date. The Anzac Divisional Band. 4th. L H. Bde. Concert Party, 14th. A.G.H. Concert Party and orchestra have provided excellent entertainment, and we hope to have soon a dramatic show given by members of the Staff. Sisters will take part in the plays.